The Hindu 02.08.2013
Biogas plant starts trial run
Facility inside Palayam market to be fully operational soon
The trial run of a biogas plant, which can process about two tonnes of waste per day, established inside the Palayam market, commenced on Thursday.
The plant, set up with Rs.30 lakh provided by the Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project, can generate three to four kW of power.
The project, conceived as part of the city Corporation’s initiative to promote decentralised garbage management after the closure of Vilppilsala plant, can handle the waste generated at the market and the adjoining commercial and residential areas.
The Palayam ward had around 3,000 houses, a Corporation official said.
The biogas plant at Palayam, the second one being set up at a public place after the one-tonne plant at Sreekarayam, would be fully operational in a few days, Corporation Welfare standing committee chairman Palayam Rajan said.
Work to establish the plant started six months ago, he said adding that the civic body had planned to set up the plant two years ago but the project was held back as there was a proposal to develop the Palayam market.
“Since the development work did not take place, we decided to take up the construction of the plant six months ago,” he said.
The Corporation had plans to establish biogas plants, to process two to five tonnes of garbage, at 16 more places in the city, Works standing committee chairman V.S. Padmakumar said.
More plants
The places identified included Valiathura, Nedungad, Poojappura Central jail, Sreekaryam, Vanchiyoor, and all main markets. The work on setting up plants at the markets at Peroorkada and Kazhakuttom was fast progressing, he said.
Mayor K. Chandrika inaugurated the trial run. Deputy Mayor Happy Kumar was present.
